What to expect after coming here

Most students prefer to stay off campus in groups of two, three or four in order to lower their expenses. Single/Double bedroom apartments (furnished/unfurnished) are available around the Marist College. Unfurnished apartments will include a refrigerator, a cooking range cum oven, wall to wall carpeting (in some apartments) and other fixtures. Furnished apartments will throw in furniture (sofas, drawers etc.) as well. (It cost you lot if you select well furnished apartments.

Monthly rent per student ranges from $175 to $ 225 on a sharing basis. Upon your arrival, Marist Housing dept may help you for finding an apartment. Generally they give the list of apartments available in this area. Please bring along bedspreads, cushions, utensils (a pressure cooker, a few pots and pans and some ladles), plates, spices, cook books etc. Accomodation is available in plenty, although it takes some effort running around in finding something reasonable.

If you eat mostly at home, food would run around $100 a month for supplies, plus the cost of eating out.

Get used to walking,as you'll do a lot of that, at least in the beginning. Public transport in general is bad in America, and while its useful to go to a few specific places, you won't use it regularly. Buses are infrequent, taxies/cab are expensive (and not available on the street, you need to call for them). Making friends with people who own cars is a good idea. The temples are not accessible by bus, so you'll have to go with someone who is driving.

The Foreign Student orientation MAY useful - you may get useful tips and get a chance to make friends.

Get the NY learner's license; it's like your passport in the US. Good for photo identification and age verification; useful in bars, buying "overage products", banks, airports and just about every other place

The health insurance costs around $370/semester. (Please check out with student Reg. Office) While its a lot of money, medical costs are prohibitive and can ruin you if you are ever hospitalized without insurance. Beginning this year, dental and vision coverage is being offered for an extra amount. Deciding to buy that is a personal choice.

Get yourself a bank account, preferably TEG (B'coz its near to Campus and good service). You may also want to deposit all your drafts/cheques.

Get your student ID/Marist Money (Ask to Reg office for details)

As soon as you get the job, Apply for your SSN (Social Security Number) you cannot get paid otherwise!

Apply for a telephone connection (At & t or Bell atlantic or MCI - Select any of this company and ask for unlimited local calling plan - Ask seniors for tips and details) as soon as you have your address, since it might take a week or more since they are swamped with requests at that time. You can then tell your proud family all about your experiences in the land of milk and honey !?

Apply only for the AT & T, First USA and American Express (1-800-467-8462, for Amex.) "Optima" credit card for students, preferably on-campus. Initially, the others might reject you for not having sufficient credit history! To learn more tips and catches about credit cards, ask a senior student personally.

Its common for unknown people to smile at each other, and say things like "how are you?" or "how's it going?" even when they pass you on the street. These don't mean much, and are often just an artifact of social etiquette - almost any answer is fine. Especially for women (well, guys too), don't misinterpret a smile or a trivial question from an unknown member of the opposite sex.

Days are very long in summer. Even in August, it won't get dark until after 8:30 PM.The downside is that in winter its dark by 5 PM!

Indians refer to each other as "desis". Just so you know. Watch out when you say "Chinkus" , "Kallus", "Makkus" or "ABCD'S". Its demeaning, and can get you into trouble if one of them hears you.

Feedback or Comments? @ Sanjay Manseta